5 federal apps to make 2014 a productive year

Jan. 2, 2014 - 06:00AM
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The Alternative Fueling Station Locator app helps you find fueling stations that offer electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, E85, propane, or hydrogen.Use your current location or enter a custom location to find the 20 closest stations within a 30-mile radius. View the stations on a map or see a list of stations ordered by distance from your location. Select your alternative fuel of choice and adjust the custom filters to fit your needs.Select a station from the map or list to view contact info and other details:- address, phone number, and hours of operation - payment types accepted - public or private access - special services - compression (natural gas) - vehicle size access (natural gas) - number and types of chargers (electric) - blends available (biodiesel) - blender pumps (ethanol)The app draws information from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, which houses the most comprehensive, up-to-date database of alternative fueling stations in the United States. The database contains location information for more than 15,000 alternative fueling stations throughout the country. ()

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Did 2013 not work out as well as you would hope? Are you recycling all of the resolutions you left unfinished last year? These apps from federal agencies will help you have a more productive 2014.

If your agency has a fleet of electric, propane or hydrogen-powered vehicles, it can be difficult to find a place to fill up the proverbial tank on the fly. But with this app you can use your current location to find the 20 closest stations that have the fuel you need.

You can adjust by type of fuel, public or private facilities and the types of payments accepted. The app, drawing on a database of more than 15,000 fueling stations, displays a map or list of your results.

2. General Services Administration: Per Diem for Continental United States

For: iPhone, Android

This app is as simple as it is vital. It contains the per diem information for all locations within the continental United States for lodging and meal expenses. It is automatically updated when new per diem information is released. However, donít try it in Alaska or Hawaii. The Defense Department sets the rates in those states. It also foreign travel information from the State Department. Within the lower 48, though, itís very helpful.

If youíre a fed, a contractor or anyone who does business with the government, then you need this app. It alerts you when there is a change in the operating status of the government, whether itís a shutdown or blizzard.

In case you are unclear on what that means, it provides detailed explanations for who is affected and for how long, so you can stay at home instead of figuring out who will still be around to take your calls.

This app allows you to keep an ongoing list of current and past medications. Its not just for personal recordkeeping either, the list can be shared with a doctorís office or relative. It also serves as a reminder tool for when you should take the medication.

As you roll into 2014, it might be a good idea to download this sustainability app. The SFMobile tool provides information and resources to help your agency meet its sustainability goals and to help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. All of these items will be an important part of meeting your agency greenhouse gas reduction goals set out by President Obama in 2009 and it is easily customizable to meet your needs.

And if you are having trouble making sure your agency procurements are considered environmentally friendly, there is no need to worry Ė this app comes with a variety of lists in all product categories.